Around the world, budget accommodations known as hostels provide a cheap bed for travelers without the means of staying in all the ritziest hotels. Many large cities and major travel destinations have a number of hostels. But the old adage that you get what you pay for certainly applies to some hostels, which can be grungy, less than sanitary, and lacking in customer service. Here’s how to know if a hostel is for you, and how to choose and stay in a hostel that will make you glad you saved some money on your accommodations.
SHOULD I STAY IN A HOSTEL?
Hostels are usually dormitory style facilities. This means accommodations are generally several pairs of bunk beds in a mixed-gender or separate-gender room with community bathrooms and showers. If you aren’t shy and are willing to meet other young travelers along the way, hostels should be perfect for you. Some hostels also offer private rooms at slightly higher prices, and these rooms sometimes include a bathroom shared with one other room, so these are a good hostel option for travelers who require a bit more privacy.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HOSTEL
First, make sure you will have a bed to sleep in. The main purpose of a hostel is to have a place to rest between busy days of exploring your destination. Check with the hostel to see if the prices of sheets and pillows are included with the nightly rate. Sometimes hostels will advertise their low rates to get you to book and then load you up with extra charges when you check in.
Second, check for a locker or secure area, especially if you are traveling with electronics or other valuables. You will potentially be staying in a room with ten to twelve strangers, and you never know who might want to permanently borrow your iPod. Many hostels will allow you to rent lockers to stow your valuables in.
Third, read reviews on the bookign website to find out how the hostel’s staff has interacted with previous customers. Sometimes review sites are filled with negative reviews complaining about the staff lying or cheating to force the guests to pay more money. Another common complaint is the curfew. Some hostels have a time where you must be back in the building, so make sure you are clearly informed of all the rules before you reserve your bed.
Finally, check the common area offerings of the hostel. It’s nice to have a place to watch television or read a book after a busy day of traveling. Additionally, the presence of a kitchen in your hostel can help you save money if